Month: February 2018

Every now and then, I have to remind people: any two people, irrespective of their Sun signs are capable of having a successful relationship.

No matter what the chemistry (or synastry) looks like between the birth charts of two individuals, chances are, we’ll find ourselves having to make some adjustments when it comes to learning another person.

If we’re constantly going on and on about how we’ll never date a person of a certain sign or we “just don’t get along” with Scorpio’s or Capricorns, we may find that we create a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Especially, if we have no desire to do the work which will actually help us arrive at the root of our issues.

Here are the facts; when it comes to ANY sign of the zodiac, they have their functional, or constructive expressions, as well as their dysfunctional or maladaptive ones.

If both parties are willing, and committed to aspiring to the highest expressions of what their signs (and entire birth charts) have to offer, then it’s entirely possible to have a fulfilling relationship.

Granted, there are definitely some relationships which may pose more of a challenge when it comes to day- to-day living.

Sometimes, in Astrological chart comparisons, we tend to forget about the actual PEOPLE involved and obsess over planetary placements, measurements, etc. It’s important to remember that everyone is bringing their unique histories and experiences to the party.

Family dynamics, cultural factors and environment also have to be considered along with the Astrology to identify the potential for compatibility. We also must remember that despite the “shared” dynamic, the two individuals are still on their own distinct growth journeys.

I think it’s fair to say that many of us get enthusiastic over big ideas. We become excited at the grandeur of vision which comes with huge dreams and large scale enterprises. However, there always comes a day where we must begin to draw up the plans as to how we’re actually going to bring our visions to fruition in the material world. This undoubtedly requires work, structure, organization and strategy. When the Sagittarius Sun and Capricorn Moon combine. The marriage of the ideal and the real presents itself.

In an individual birth chart when the Sun is in Sagittarius and the Moon in Capricorn the life energy which stimulates this person consists of a fundamental need to find meaning in his or her experiences; to view the world from the widest possible vantage point while seeking to identify patterns which exist throughout our universe.

Sagittarius is associated with interrelationships; how one thing is connected to another to ultimately show that we’re all part of the magic thread and grand design of the cosmos. In the midst of all of this questing, the most important piece to the archer is that the answers reflect a significance which can be weaved into a dynamic and comprehensive life philosophy.

Plain and simple-Sagittarius requires MORE. The Archer’s eyes are WIDE. Their modus operandi is continuous expansion which leads to MORE knowledge and MORE experience, which leads to a wider scope and an enormously rich existence.

The Capricorn Moon uses the light of the Sagittarius Sun and reflects an individual whose personality needs structure. They need to control their environment and get things done. Also, the Moon placed in Capricorn has an extremely practical orientation so to say that “results” matter” would be an understatement.

Receiving the rewards and status that come as a result of hard work and a job well done is an emotional need for those with the Moon in Capricorn. If they’re not given their just due for their accomplishments, they won’t be fulfilled. This is a no nonsense “nose to the grindstone” placement which espouses the philosophy that there’s nothing worth having which comes easily. There’s tremendous potential to exert the discipline to delay short term gratification in favor of long term success.

Tension can often exist between this Sun/Moon combination because the expansive Sagittarian energy is met squarely by the restrictive limits and controls of Capricorn, or so this SEEMS to be the case.

When examined more closely, the Capricorn Moon is simply providing the organizational channels needed to structure the implementation of high-minded Sagittarian ideals; to bring the archer’s wisdom down to earth so it can be used in real time.

The Sagittarian Sun’s buoyancy also assists Capricorn in obtaining the levity which is sometimes absent because of the sense of isolation which comes with the mountain climbing expedition they’ve chosen for themselves. In fact, at their lowest point Capricorn can turn stiff as a board and begin to totally disregard the feelings of others. Astrologer-Psychologist Glenn Perry Writes:

“The tight controlled responses often lead to loneliness and despair as it prevents the individual from flowing and responding to the changing mood of others. Moon in Capricorn nurtures by taking charge and giving orders. This dry, mechanical approach to feelings is not sympathetic and tends to imply that the other is incompetent. Unable to respond directly to emotional needs, Moon in Capricorn gives the impression of being callous, hardened an unaffected by the tender side of life.”

Fortunately, the life energy of the Sagittarius Sun contains the prescription for the Capricorn Moon blues if the individual will allow for the integration of the cloud’s silver lining and make room for the distinct possibility that work and play can be synthesized.

THIS is grounded wisdom.

Your theme song is “Doing Something” by Skyzoo & Apollo Brown. You can listen right here:

Your natural tendency is to have your hands in everything. There’s a youthful curiosity about your immediate environment which infuses a state of rapid and constant activity. While your mind and body may be traveling at 100 miles per hour, it’s somewhat a foreign concept to slow down and ponder what all of the information you’re gathering actually means. It’s time to consider that this may well be your job.

Contemplate how synthesizing facts can provide a broad, telescopic overview which can advance your understanding of whatever you happen to be interested in. While you’ve digested the notion that the devil is in the details, you can easily get stuck there and resist opening yourself up to the world outside your window. It’s important to recognize the dangers of erroneous thought patterns which confuse information with true understanding.

Part of your life-task is comprised of developing a philosophy of life which takes multiple views under consideration. As a result of studying larger systems of thought, you’re being encouraged to recognize the interrelationships and patterns which permeate them all. You’re then placing yourself in a position to develop informed opinions about the larger issues which truly matter to you.

There’s a saying that “over-analysis leads to paralysis”. So, while you’re talented at logical dissection and pulling things apart, you now must do so in service of ultimately combining them in a way which serves to expand your map of the universe by opening up new doors, which in turn pose more questions about the world that we live in.

There may have been a time where you felt like you wanted to “taste” all that life has to offer. If this is the case, you’re being asked to decide which “food’ you like best. Once resolved, the journey consists of approaching all of the angles surrounding it leaving no stone unturned. It’s truly a victory for you to discover that every place on earth doesn’t operate in the same manner that your local area does.

In fact, whether you agree or disagree with outside perspectives isn’t as important as refining your tolerance and openness to receive them. While it may pose some degree of difficulty, orienting your thoughts toward the larger horizon, or the bigger picture can aid you immensely in jump starting your capacities for philosophical thinking.

With the South Node in Gemini, you’ve dealt with the “what”. The “why” and the” how” of Sagittarius now requires integration so wholeness has the opportunity to be restored. If Gemini is a multiple choice test, Sagittarius is a “blue book” essay test, where you’re being asked to formulate theories and expound on concepts.

Bear in mind that intellect and intuition are complementary, rather than opposing forces. It certainly doesn’t require the devaluing or diminishing of one in order to develop the other. You’ve been assigned the lifetime homework of learning to trust your hunches and combining that with maintaining the importance of concretizing ideas.

The fields of experience in which this activity is generated will be indicated by the hose positions of the nodal axis in your birth chart. Also, any planets which contact the nodes can serve as helpers in the process of integrating the axis.

“The most common form of despair is not being who you are” – Soren Kierkegaard

With the flurry of astrological information circulating the internet, making the distinction between what is valuable, helpful and potentially injurious can be a labor intensive process. If you’re wide-eyed, bushy tailed and have just discovered Astrology it can be particularly off putting to read a random article on a website which says you’re destined to live your life in dire straits or emotional bondage because of a placement or aspect in your birth chart.

In fact, based on the feedback I receive on a regular basis, the manner in which Astrology as a whole is characterized and presented can significantly impact the cosmological lens through which we process information.

Astrology which is inclined to shock or create a fearful emotional response can leave a person believing that they’re like a puppet : resigned to the fate of the stars, just biding their time on earth, susceptible to the wrath of certain transits or “no-win” situations regarding their chart.

With this in mind, the next step is often a psychological attempt to denounce one’s cosmic makeup; to wish that we had an entirely different birth chart than the one that we’re blessed with.

Damage control begins. Instead of seeking the most honest and accurate depiction of ourselves and leaving room for growth and self- discovery, we may attempt to “adjust” our charts toward the interpretations that we’ve found that “aren’t so bad”, or use the house system which doesn’t necessarily depict our current reality, but contains placements that now seem to distance us from or soften someone else’s largely negative and hazardous interpretations.

I want to make it clear that I’m an advocate of people loving their birth charts. Whatever gifts, challenges and dilemmas which are present are meant to assist you on your journey to developing into a more complete human being. When we wish for our birth chart to “be like someone else’s” because of what we’ve read on the web regarding “good” and “bad” placements or aspects, exaltations, falls, detriments and the like, we rob ourselves and the world of a unique synthesis and expression of cosmic energy.

I can’t place enough emphasis on accepting the gift that the universe has brought you.

Once we’re able to “step into” our birth charts with loving acceptance, and without the voice of harsh criticism or judgment, an entirely new door window of potentials will make themselves known. After acceptance, we begin seeking information and knowledge which is conducive to building us up, not tearing us down. We can certainly become aware of our own challenges and limitations as human beings without loathing our astrological makeups.

When it comes down to it, it’s really a matter of choice. We can choose to dwell on the “woe is me” interpretations that are around virtually every corner, or we can take a different route which seeks meaning and brings a sense of order to our lives.

I encourage you to be aware of the potential dysfunctions of planetary placements and aspects, but also understand that there’s another side where these SAME placements and aspects can be directed in a manner which accelerates growth and produces maturity so that we may lead richer, more multi-dimensional lives.

From the onset, it needs to be said that the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts, so when I write about sun signs, there are factors in the entire chart which are capable of heightening, suppressing or refining this energy.

As we proceed to look at the Libra archetype, the focus is now on the meaning of the scales’ function. After all, what exactly do scales do? They balance and they weigh.

Webster’s dictionary defines both a scale and a balance as:
“A beam that is supported freely in the center and has two pans of equal weight suspended from its ends.”

Next, let’s examine the definition of weigh:
” To consider carefully, especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion.”

This is the essence of the core life energy of Libra.

A large portion of Libra’s stimulus contains the balancing of their own ego recognition with the social acceptance of others. There is a continual weighing of what pleases others and the recognition of their own identity.

The process is lived out through the archetypal characters of the “nice” woman/man, the diplomat, the peacemaker, the smooth operator and the negotiator.

With this sign, the psychological need rests in being seen as attractive, fair, kind, and popular, and what better way to do that than to hold a continuous interest in what makes other people tick? To present yourself as charming and engaging, which in turn, puts others at ease and helps them feel important. An insightful quote from Alfred Adler, the Viennese psychologist, illustrates this point:

“It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring.”

Taking a look at all of the cardinal signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, I would cast them all as possessing their own unique type of intelligence quotient:

Libra energy is neatly attuned to seeing the “other side of the game” and opposing viewpoints seem to take on a particular fascination as a means to see “how the other half lives.” Libran’s are even inclined, to an extent, to take on the observer’s role when viewing themselves.

Like anything else, when this orientation is taken to the extreme, it tends to over function, which then presents itself as a dysfunctional display of behavior.

Consequently, an individual’s healthy social awareness has now denigrated to a stifling straitjacket because he/she is afraid to make a move or decision out of fear that someone will disapprove. Or, the “other’s” point of view has been under consideration so long, that they’ve completely forgotten about their own wants, needs and identity.

This is the time where the words of Albert Camus call for heavy consideration:

“To give oneself has no meaning unless one possesses oneself. You can give only what you have.”

After all, Libra: for you to be FREELY supported in your CENTER, you must BALANCE the weight on both ends: yourself, and the other side.

You were born to stick out, but maybe not for the reasons that immediately come to mind. The simple fluidity of your natural personality can poeticize an already dramatic flair for self-presentation.

Gaining attention from others fuels your vitality. To be accepted and validated for just being you assists in your aspiring to greater heights, and also experiencing a oneness with the universe. However, it’s paramount that you don’t get so caught up in playing a role that you lose sight of what feeds you: connecting to spiritual source.

What you need is feelings of inner peace. this comes through nurturing your empathy, which is the desire to identify with the thoughts and feelings of others so you’ll know exactly where to radiate your light of inspiration.

Your confidence gradually increases when you feel like you’re uplifting humanity and bridging divisions. Your aspirations of self-actualization have the opportunity to shine most visibly through the recognition of the things which unite human beings rather than what keeps us at odds. Through this process, you’re achieving a more comprehensive understanding of what makes you happy in the intangible sense.

One of the dysfunctional and psychologically disordered manifestations of this combinations is getting high on other’s seeming admiration. Emotional intoxication as a gateway to grandiose ego inflation.

As we explore the territory that’s Venus in Aries, we do so with the understanding that Venus can’t be reduced or limited exclusively to “love” in one’s birth chart. There are far more associations which accompany the planet. However, for the purpose of this particular article, one’s idea of love, as viewed through the Venus in Aries lens, will be emphasized.

For those with Venus placed in Aries in the birth chart, love can be a battlefield, where you want to be number one with no question. Love can be a feeling of having to “fight ” for the object of your affection. Love is passionate involvement. Love is fiery. Love is independence. Love is victory. Love is risk.

Love is “shooting your shot”.

You have the potential to be the the “Love Warrior”.

Ideally, you have little problem being the initiator in forming relationships because (1) you don’t believe in wasting time and (2) there’s a dynamic thrust of identity projection at work. For you, personal relationships are a source of constant renewal, and the litmus test of the ones that serve you is how much motivation you feel to maintain them.

Independence is another key theme for you. Learning the lesson that: working in your own self-interest and selfishness are two different thingswill be of immense value to you in your journey.

When Archetypal Aries energy is present in intimate relationships, there’s a tremendous focus on impact: On the effect they’ve had on the other person. The continuous question is :”what’s new?”

A static existence without mutual independence is as debilitating as it gets.

The gist of an Aries infused relationship is: “take your resources and explore the world, and I’ll do the same.” Then, we’ll come back and share insights in a manner that benefits us personally and collectively.

In general, what you can provide and also what you expect from another, is a straightforward and shame-free manner of relating. Emotional directness doesn’t have to be a problem.Typically, this is a person who’s more concerned with affirmation of their being than apologizing for it.

Because of the focus on identity development, what the Ram seeks in a partner is someone who has found a source of passionate involvement and stimulation for *themselves*.

Venus in Aries understands that to be deeply focused on what you love is to feel connected to the collective life force.

On a healthy level, the Venus in Aries individual desires to “push” their partner to fulfill potential. Always looking for ways to encourage stretching out of their comfort zone.

Dysfunctionally, they become obsessed with competition, feeling as if they have to continuously be “one up” as a source of psychological satisfaction.

Another appropriate question for Venus in Aries is: “How do I keep the fires burning?”

Aries energy is undoubtedly challenged with maintaining enthusiasm in relationships. With the natural ebb and flow of life, the initial “heat” which is automatically present in the beginning stages of a union must subside or take on a different form.

So, what will it be?

Do you choose air to fan the flames of your passions? More fire to set the world ablaze? Water to create steam? Or, earth to bring structure to your aspirations?

Great astrology raises effective questions.

Ultimately, no matter what you choose, know that you can, and are supposed to have an impact on your partner.

You have the capability to become a master motivator and a source of “juice”. Not only by your powerful words, but your life lived as a personal demonstration of how an identity and belief in a cause unfolds over time.

Venus in Aries also suggests a person that’s not adverse to risk in relationships.

Now, we return to the theme of fearlessly going after the type of relationships which authentically suit your way of being: a.k.a.”shooting your shot”

Many years ago, I had the pleasure of coming across the work of Richard Idemon, an Astrologer who passed away in 1987. I picked up a copy of his book “Through The Looking Glass: A Search ForThe Self In The Mirror of Relationships.”

One of the first ideas which captured my attention was that of our most fundamental need in human relationships being the re-validation of our basic myths.

We all have a “story”, or mythology of sorts that we carry around with us. This basic psychic ground is a significant contributor to our senseof self. As a result, the patterns which we consciously or unconsciously create are those which are going to keep co-signing on our basic myth.

Those relationships which we may feel less comfortable, or even highly unsettled are those which challenge our basic ground.

However, if growth and evolution in relationships is what we truly seek, we must ultimately head in this direction.

There is an excellent example given in this book regarding the physical territory of animals, which can directly be applied to the psychic territory of human beings.

All animals have a basic physical territory that they will not deviate from. Even when chased by a larger, more fierce animal, which is sure to eat them alive, they will not leave this territory. In fact, the animal in question will run until he/she can’t run anymore and double back into the jaws of the pursuing animal rather than leave it’s comfort zone.

If we apply this same logic and scenario to our human relationships, we now see that most of us would rather be “eaten alive” psychically largely due to our need for safety. Pushing ourselves into the unknown constitutes a psychological death. So, in our discomfort, we resist change with all our might.

What we may have failed to realize is that we won’t be able to evolve into any relationship which does not support our existing myths.

If our mythology casts us as unlovable, undeserving, fearful human beings, our relationship patterns can’t reflect anything else. The only people that we’re able to accept into our worlds at this time are going to be continual confirmers of that reality.

Even if genuine love hit us head on like a Mack truck, we would not realize it, nor could we appreciate it because of our insistence to clinging to these outmoded patterns.

It’s only when we decide to renovate and expand our personal mythology that we’re able to open our universe to a broader array of possibilities.

There are two examples given of very different relationship models. The first model is the static model and the second is the erotic model.

With the static model, the basic intent is to staysafe. To avoid risk. As long as there are no major shake- ups, everything will be all right. “Mrs./Mr. Jones and I have been together for 30 years and everything is in it’s place just the way I like it.” However, the question remains: have you and Mrs./Mr. Jones really been together 30 years, or just one year 30 times over?

The erotic model is far more risky, but the potential rewards are much greater.

Having Venus in Aries natally, the erotic model of relationships is much better suited to your inclinations.

The question is: are you up for the challenge?

The prime goals of the erotic relationship model are: intimacy and growth, variety, openness to change, open communications, trust, varied and shifting roles, independence, and adult-adult relating. The author goes on to suggest that there are probably ten percent of people who have a sufficient amount of the erotic in their relationship to keep them on their toes; to have them aiming towards deep bonding and personal transformation. As you peruse this food for thought, it may help to take inventory of your personal relationships and ask yourself where you fall in the spectrum.

What are the primary goals of your relationships? What do the relationship patterns that you’ve attracted into your life say about your personal mythology and your basic ground? Do you wish to embark on the journey of changing your myth? If you’re not entirely happy in where you stand in this area, please understand that you can begin anew with a legend for yourself which reflects the highest possibilities for creating the types of relationships which will enhance the quality of your life and ultimately contribute to your personal satisfaction.

The shot is yours to take.

*Reference: “Through The Looking Glass: A Search For The Self In The Mirror of Relationships.” by Richard Idemon

Although you’re the type to enjoy a lighthearted “good time” and may even express your deepest feelings in the form of anecdotes, if someone were to delve into your interior just a little bit more, they would see that it’s not all adolescent giggles and midnight games of scrabble.

You value variety, but depth is pursued in a fervent, almost “do or die” fashion. Once you get your emotional energy swirling behind a cause (especially love or lust), all bets are off.

You have the potential to relate to others with a dexterity which disarms them, but you don’t stop there. In fact, this is only a means to explore the gloss of the surface before diving into deep waters. Once you’ve arrived you like to penetrate and be penetrated : spiritually, physically, psychologically and emotionally.

One may get the idea that you’re footloose and fancy free because you seem to navigate life with such aplomb, but what they may not see unless they get extremely close to you is your craving for intensity. What people fail to understand about you is that you view sex as just one of the many vehicles that can be used to explore and solidify a deeper connection with another human being. So, your true reasons for engaging in the throes of intimacy are often at variance with what others expect.

Your psychological makeup could be compared to a burner on a stove that doesn’t turn orange when it warms up, so people try to touch you and get scorched because they had NO IDEA you were so hot.

You need your privacy, but in order to remain true to yourself, it’s important that you cultivate the ability to make your deepest needs known to others. Learning the difference between strategic self-protection and deception is part of your life’s work.

In Dale Carnegie’s ground breaking best seller “How to Win Friends & Influence People”, the first chapter is entitled ” If You Want To Gather Honey, Don’t Kick Over the Beehive”. I think this phrase is a perfect segue into the discussion of the Sagittarius Sun, Libra Moon combination.

Sagittarian fuel is comprised of the assertion, or thrust of perceived truth into the world with the expectation of having impact on others’ ways of thinking. To influence, and to ‘educate’, which is derived from the Latin root educo, meaning to educe or draw out.

The Archer gains stimulus from drawing knowledge out of others to lead them from the stifling constraints of small thinking into an expanded, more comprehensive perspective. Sagittarius’ life energy is comprised of a holistic mentality, which consists of the weaving together of broad based philosophies which function as wholes and not disconnected pieces of data. The Centaur is further motivated by the challenge of expanding and advancing these systems of thought through it’s ability to synthesize facts.

With the Moon in Libra, the core needs of the personality revolve around connectivity with others based on the principles of equality, objectivity and goodwill. This lunar placement also wishes to draw others out, but more for the purpose of discourse in hopes they may discover common ground, even in the midst of potential conflicts. A Libra Moon suggests a personality which is nourished by tact, diplomacy and compliance with the rules of social etiquette.

Because of the Sagittarian Sun’s desire to affect thought and have its opinion respected, it would seem more than reasonable for them to abide by these rules to increase the chances of their wisdom being received in a favorable manner. What the Archer needs to keep in mind is that consideration for the sensibilities of others rarely diffuses the potency of the truth which they’re so adept at conveying.

When this Sun-Moon combination is operating in a dysfunctional manner the commitment to “truth” over extends itself and manifests behaviorally as self-righteous zealotry which intrudes on others’ freedom to experience and convey their personal reality, and the willingness to recognize another side of an issue is diminished.

Used constructively, this solar-lunar blend encourages and promotes an educative process which emphasizes inclusion and equal participation as opposed to dogmatic proselytizing based on heavy handed directives. The remembrance that EVERYONE has a perspective.

For those with a Sagittarius Sun, Libra Moon blend, your theme song is “Finesse Everything” by Skyzoo. You can listen right here:

Here, we have a serious synthesis of warm regality and lofty and far sighted thought energy. With this Sun/Moon duo, the fuel of seeking recognition and validation for one’s uniqueness and irreplaceability is reflected and given form through a personality which aims to have an impact on the world through the ideas and IDEALS which permeate their life philosophy.

The Sagittarian arrows of expansive mental activity have the potential to be illuminated or scorched by the light of the Leo Sun, depending on one’s overall level of development.

Through this astrological signature, we develop a portrait of one who’s energized by the sheer enjoyment of life and the creativity and “play” elements that are included in one’s personal, explorative journey. Being liked, admired and seen as special by others boosts one’s vitality and having one’s opinions respected and taken seriously provides the emotional nourishment.

There’s no question that a fiery and robust spirit is present, which seeks an enormous amount of freedom to navigate the world with the specific purpose of finding more of themselves. The danger in taking this to the extreme results in a failure to recognize that you already ARE what you seek. With this combination, the notion of “hero-worship” should fly out the window because with the proper effort applied towards your personal development, you are indeed THAT HERO.

A noble warmth combined with a high-minded thirst for knowledge and understanding is the ideal for a Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon blend. When operating dysfunctionally, a haughty self-righteousness and an overly inflated sense of importance take the front seat, which not only blinds you, but also those around you, which in turn, obscures all of your good intentions.

More than anything, what you want is to live in passionate pursuit of ideals and then actually LIVE them out. With this double fire combination one must guard against “all INSPIRATION and no PERSPIRATION.”

Astrologer Noel Tyl states:

“Two fire signs in this blend take the ego-recognition energies and shoot them high: there’s drama, daring, adventure and love all lifted up to where ideals catch fire. The flow is almost too easy, and the enthusiasms that abound can burn up all the fuel. One can ride through life too easily on appearances and desires, rather than on effort and accomplishment.”

What we see as the ultimate goal stated in this combination of solar strength and distant contemplation, is: to be as much of one’s authentic self as humanly possible by embodying and demonstrating one’s worldview through a shining example of exemplary behavior.